We stayed at Ichijoin (高野山 一乗院), a “Shukubo” (宿坊 – Temple Lodge) in historic Koyasan, Wakayama (和歌山県高野山), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We stayed in the “Special Room” called “Okushoin” (貴賓室 奥書院), which was extremely luxurious. It was plenty spacious, had separate living room and sleeping/dining rooms, heating/air conditioning (as well as floor heating) in both rooms, dual sinks and two toilets. Okushoin is also the only room that offers a magnificent view of the Ichijoin’s gorgeous garden and small pond.
Staying in a Shukubo is a great way to get a sense of the traditional lifestyle of Buddhist Monks in Japan, as well as enjoy Shojin Ryori (精進料理), traditional vegean (although some are vegetarian) Buddhist devotional cuisine. Guests at Ichijoin can also witness the Monks go about their “Otsutome” morning ritual (朝のお勤め), as well as partake in Shakyo (写経 – Sutra writing), “Shabutsu” (写仏 – a kind of Buddha sketching) and “Ajikan” (阿字觀), which is a type of Buddhist Yoga. All in all, a very unique cultural (and spiritual) experience, and is definitely worth staying at one of the 50+ Shukubo that populate the Koyasan area.
Alo Japan.